Moving through the busy roads of Kampala, you will later reach the Kilembe Trail in Rwenzori National Park. This mountain is often called the “Mountain of the Moon” because of its cold conditions that feel like winter throughout the year. The mountain is filled with glaciers, valleys, streams formed by melting ice, vegetation, birds, mammals, and primates.
The Kilembe Trail is a long route that usually takes seven days to complete, giving you time to adjust to the mountain environment. The trek begins at Kilembe at 1,450 meters, leading you into the thick mountain forest. The first camp is Kalalama at 3,147 meters, where you spend the night.
The next morning, you continue through the steep bamboo zone to reach Mutinda Camp at 4,688 meters. After resting here, the trail takes you through the Alpine vegetation zone, home to plants like lobelias. You then head to Buga Camp for the night.
From Buga Camp, the trail continues to Hunwick’s Camp. On this part of the journey, you will pass through Bamwanjara at 4,450 meters, which offers clear views of the snow-capped peaks. The trek then leads to Scott Elliot Pass and finally to Margarita Camp at 4,845 meters. From here, you climb to the highlight of the trail, the Margarita Peaks. This climb starts at 4 am, since you need to reach the top before sunrise when melting ice can make the glaciers unsafe to cross.
Reaching Margarita Peak is a special moment, and many hikers take photographs here to remember standing on top of the famous Rwenzori Mountains. After this achievement, you descend through the valley. Going down is easier than the climb, and within a few days you are back at the base, ready to travel to your booked accommodation or return home by either road or air, depending on your budget.
Enjoy the best experience of the high peaks on the Kilembe Trail.
